Strategic Leader Staff Ride (SLSR) Program: Opportunity for senior Army leaders to tell the Army story and to achieve the goals of 3+2+1

The Strategic Leader Staff Ride (SLSR) is a focused interaction between selected strategic communicators from the Army and key leaders from the business, academia and government communities. The SLSR is conducted by the Army War College (USAWC) in direct support of the Secretary's and Army Chief of Staff's Army Strategic Communication efforts. The objectives of the SLSR are to increase awareness and exchange insights on the most important strategic issues facing today's Army. In addition, the staff ride fosters mutually beneficial, long-term, professional relationships and exchanges.

What has the Army done?

Since 2003, the USAWC has conducted more than 60 staff rides with over 1,100 senior leaders of business, academic and governmental institutions. The vast majority of these leaders are senior-level decision makers in their respective organizations. The SLSR is typically conducted over two days and includes a one-day "staff ride" of the Gettysburg battlefield followed by a day of seminar discussions at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. This staff ride is an intellectually rigorous event that examines topics like leadership, understanding commander's intent, implementing elements of national power and strategic decision-making. The second day's seminar sessions build upon the themes introduced during the staff ride through a series of facilitated discussions on topics such as crafting strategy, strategic leadership and how U.S. national strategy is conducted in the current world situation. During the SLSR, general officers, senior civilians and resident students aid in communicating current Army issues to these prominent leaders in America.

What does the Army have planned for the future?

Starting in April, the USAWC has scheduled 13 SLSRs for the 2008 season. General officers and Senior Executive Service personnel can support the Secretary's and the Chief of Staff's 3+2+1 initiative by participating in all or portions of the staff ride.

Why is this important to the Army?

The Strategic Leader Staff Ride Program provides the means to reach some key leaders in our country. Through the lens of history and interaction with senior Army leaders, these key leaders will gain a better understanding of the Army and the challenges we are facing, thereby increasing public trust, confidence and active support for the Army and our Soldiers.

SENIOR LEADERS ARE SAYING

"So much of the Family support over the years has been based on volunteers, where you have spouses that carry the heaviest burden for Family support initiatives. One deployment, perhaps that works; two deployments, that's starting to be too much to ask; and three deployments is pushing those volunteers to the breaking point."

-Secretary of the Army, Pete Geren, referring to the Army's plan to double its investment in Family support programs for Soldiers

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